PARKALGAR HONDA’S Eugene Laverty took a well-earned pole position while Miguel Praia secured a strong eighth during final qualification for the second round of the World Supersport Championship at the team’s home circuit at Portimao in Portugal.

Sunny warm conditions changed during the session as the wind came up, forcing riders to adjust their style to compensate. The fans were out in force to support the Parkalgar Honda duo and more are expected tomorrow for the race which starts at 1330 local time at the dramatic high-tech circuit.

Eugene: “That’s my second ever pole position and the last time was here at this circuit at the end of 2009, so I am really happy and glad to do it at Parkalgar. The wind came up during the session and may have made a difference but we concentrated on what we wanted to do which was test front and rear tyres. We can improve the front end of our Parkalgar Honda and we will see what we can do in the morning warm-up. I call on all the Portuguese bike fans to come here tomorrow to support me and Miguel – it makes a difference and will help us in our title challenge.”

Simon Buckmaster, Parkalgar Honda Team Manager: “It was hard work but in the end Eugene took a well-earned pole position. He has won two races in a row now – here last year and then Phillip Island last month; we all want it to be a hat-trick and it would mean a lot to the team’s home support at our own track in Portugal. Miguel is once again on the second row here at his home track and given himself a great opportunity to fight for a top six finish and take his personal best ever result. Well done to all of the Parkalgar Honda team, great work today.”

Final Qualification

1: LAVERTY PARKALGAR HONDA 1:45.169

2: Sofuoglu +0.144

3: Pirro +0.659

4: Lascorz +0.734

5: Foret +0.913

6: Davies +0.992

7: Fujiwara +1.246

8: PRAIA PARKALGAR HONDA +1.397

9: Salom + 1.485

10: Disalvo +1.610.